Sarah Jordan Photography

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Archive for June, 2011

Whim

Smolak Farms describes Whim as a “dinner in the rough.” I’d simply call it “magical.”
Every Wednesday throughout the summer, some of New England’s best chefs will take turns preparing a delectable moonlit meal, followed by a bonfire and a hayride through the orchards.

I was really looking forward to photographing this unique event last night, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! I think my favorite moment was at the end of the evening when several couples took it upon themselves to open the dance floor. The twinkly lights, cool summer breeze, and beautiful scenery all combined to make this one very romantic evening. I can’t wait to return with my hubby for a date night of our own!

Events

Sibling rivalry?

What’s that?

Newborn, Sneak Peeks

Thank you, gentlemen.

Handsome…polite…funny…caring…
These are only a few of the adjectives that come to mind after spending the afternoon with these awesome guys!

Kids, Sneak Peeks
  1. Donna says: What a great picture of three great young men! on 06.26.11 @ 9:23 pm

All in the family

Babies have a way of bringing people together. Luckily, this family didn’t have to go very far since three generations all live within one block of each other! And boy were they excited for this handsome little guy – Grandma booked the session a full 6 months before he was born!
When I arrived at the house, it felt more like a celebration than work 🙂 Grandma proudly handed the happy little guy over as soon as I walked in the door, with a look that was heavy with love. Throughout the session, I found myself surrounded by relatives who just enjoyed being there…looking at the newest generation…perhaps imagining what his little life will be like.

Regardless of what went through their minds in that moment, one thing is very clear: this baby is going to have a lot of people watching out for him. He may hate it once he gets to high school, but eventually he’ll realize how fortunate he is to be surrounded by people who love him very, very much.

Family, Newborn

Bubble Blast

When I woke up this morning to yet another rainy day, I’ll admit that I was pretty bummed. After a long winter and rainy spring, all the boys really want to do these days is play outside…and who can blame them? Luckily, we already had some fun plans for the day. We headed over the Imajine That, where we were treated to a bubble show with Mike Dorval, The Boston Bubble Guy! He amazed, delighted and entertained a room full of very enthusiastic little kiddos with bubbles of all shapes and sizes…literally. Even some of the adults got in on the fun!

Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed for sun tomorrow!

Anywhere, together.

After months (yes, months!) of planning, rescheduling due to awful spring weather, and lots of driving around to find the perfect patch of daisies, we FINALLY got to do this session! And although all of the delays were frustrating, I think it turned out better this way 🙂 I mean, we really couldn’t have asked for a more perfect summer evening. The kids were in awesome moods (likely because there were tons of butterflies and ladybugs to catch), it was warm enough to wear their beautiful summer outfits, and the light just got better and better the longer we hung around.
I hope you can feel the love of this family through their images. The way they look at each other, talk to each other…as though there is no place they’d rather be than just together. Anywhere, together.

Family, Kids
  1. Tracy Acker says: Sarah I can't say enough about how beautiful these photos are!!! You are able to capture my family as I see them.....love them. on 06.21.11 @ 9:32 pm

Just Like Dad

Hudson wants to dress like his Daddy every day. Tie and all. So last week I let him do it, and he even pretended to ride his bike to work…just like Daddy does 🙂

Not one to be left out, Oliver quickly got in on the fun!  Ok, so maybe I helped him out a little bit…

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and Dads-to be out there! Never underestimate the influence you have on your child’s life!

Kids, My Family

Three years young

Today my baby turned three. I felt a mixture of pride, nostalgia and excitement while considering this milestone before he awoke this morning. Three years old! Three! That’s just crazy. He’s now a real little person. A person who has likes, dislikes, opinions…and the ability to express them all. At high volume.

For the first time, Hudson really understood that today was his special day, and he eagerly anticipated the festivities. We had a full day planned, including a quick stop for a chocolate doughnut before heading to a touch-a-truck event in Danvers. If you know Hudson at all, you know that his life literally revolves around trucks. He eats with them, sleeps with them…and plays with them for every waking hour of the day. So I thought he’d flip for this special event. And at first, he did.

But then the honking started.  The cement mixer beeped.  The ambulance blared.  Even the race car VROOOOOOOMed at top volume.  And it was all just too much for him.

And so, on this day that I expected to marvel at how big my little boy was getting, I was reminded instead of how young he really is.  He still needs a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and a lap to sit in.  He thrives on “I love you’s” and hugs, and depends on his Mommy to remember the whereabouts of his stuffed friends and snuggle blankets.

After the last of the sniffles had passed, we moved on to more surefire ways to make the little guy smile.  Like TOY trucks.  Aunt Becca and Uncle Abe saved the day with the most amazing crane a little boy could ever dream about.  At Hudson’s request, we took it for a picnic dinner at his favorite park.  Ahhh…the things we do for our toy trucks.The day ended with a happy, sweaty, exhilarated little boy smiling from ear to ear, surrounded by the people who love him most.

Happy Birthday, Hudson.  No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my baby.

Kids, My Family
  1. Donna says: Tears in my eyes, its so beautiful! on 06.19.11 @ 6:15 am

  2. Kelly Links says: Well, not all the people who love him most ;) They all go beep! Wish I was there... on 06.19.11 @ 9:38 pm

Cutest. Hair. Ever.


I mean, really.

This is his hair.  No product, no styling…just little L in all his glory 🙂  Adorable, right?


I could have cuddled him all day long.

Newborn, Sneak Peeks
  1. Donna says: Some little boys would do anything for that hair! So cute! on 06.17.11 @ 6:24 pm

Rock-a-bye

I am always honored and excited to be invited to photograph a newborn, but it’s even more amazing when I get to meet a little one that I first photographed when she was still inside her mama’s belly 🙂

I’ve said before that I absolutely love capturing the interactions between family members during a session, and this one was no exception.  But truthfully?  Another love is when the parents are comfortable enough with me and the baby that they let us work together one-on-one for some time.  Meaning, I get to hold the adorable little one-week-old baby and breath in her babyness…feel her paper-thin skin…listen to her bubbly little sleeping noises.  I rocked this beauty to sleep for awhile, all for the sake of some amazing newborn shots.  Ok, so maybe I rocked her just a *little* longer than entirely necessary….

Family, Newborn

Party Central

Hayrides, tug of war, cider donuts, horseshoes, a dress-up tea party, sack races, barnyard animals, strawberry picking, treasure hunts….it’s every birthday child’s dream party!  Actually, these activities are all featured in 6 unique party themes at Smolak Farms in North Andover.  They were created by the talented Elisabeth Accardi from Upon a Star, and I was lucky enough to see them all in action last weekend at the farm.  There are so many photos from the shoot and I hate trying to narrow them down to just a few to put on the blog…..so I’m sharing all of them through a slideshow instead.

But first, here are a few of my faves!

And now, for the rest!

Events
  1. Lauren Reynolds says: Oh that looks so much fun! Great work, Sarah! And what a fun party! Love it! on 06.13.11 @ 10:58 am

  2. Kelly Links says: Gorgeous, fun pics. I hope someone invites me to a party there :) on 06.13.11 @ 8:53 pm

Family Portrait

There were so many little things that made this newborn session extra fun and exciting for me. First of all, the family was completely on board with my style. They let me (even encouraged me!) to move furniture around, create props from things they never imagined (like their kitchen island!), and, most importantly, they were able to forget I was there for awhile as they just snuggled together as a newly expanded family of 5. Maybe some of their low-key attitude was due to the fact that they had already been through this newborn thing twice before. They very clearly placed a priority on family bonding, and making sure that the kids all felt acknowledged, accepted, and loved.

Without a doubt, my favorite images from the session were the ones that involved the chalkboard. That wall is actually the kitchen island, which is painted with chalkboard paint. I was drawn to it immediately, and the older sibs were more than happy to help me decorate it for their little brother! You may have to squint to see it, but there are actually portraits of each family member on that chalkboard. The baby must need more protection than the others, because his siblings made sure that he was wearing a fire helmet to keep him safe. I still smile just thinking about it.

Oh, and that photo of the baby with Cookie Monster and a monkey? Those are the stuffed animals that his brother and sister brought to him in the hospital when they first met him. Such a sweet gesture!

Family, Newborn
  1. Kelly Links says: LOVE the laundry basket! on 06.11.11 @ 8:43 pm

6th grade

I loved this session for so many reasons.

As you may or may not know, I taught 6th grade science for 4 years before having babies and switching careers to photography. While many people grimace at the thought of teaching that age, I actually loved it. Sixth graders are old enough to do some really in-depth, challenging activities, and they are seeking out adults who can help them navigate the emotional turmoil that inevitably surfaces in middle school. I enjoyed teaching “my kids” about everything from squid anatomy to appropriate internet etiquette to the writings of Charles Dickens.
So when I heard that this young man was in 6th grade, I looked forward to getting to know him a bit.

Within the first 5 minutes of the session, I realized that something magical was happening. Not only was J an amazing, fun, sweet kid, but the family had such an incredible chemistry. There was so much loving, laughing and hugging going on, that I barely had to give any direction for the shoot! Oh, and J is a VERY talented soccer player. I hope he loves these images of him showing off his moves as much as I do 🙂

Family, Kids

Does it get any better?

Sunset in a field of daisies, kids who were cheerful despite a long day and lack of food, and beautiful, easy-going parents. Not a bad way to spend an evening!

Family, Sneak Peeks

Wrapped around her finger

Yeah. I think she’s gonna like being a big sister 🙂

Newborn, Sneak Peeks